SABBATH-SCHOOL

LESSON QUARTERLY

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Sabbath-School Lessons

A Synopsis of Present Truth

No. 2

Senior Division

First Quarter, 1908.

LESSON I.—The Judgment llour—A Weld-Wide

Message.

JANUARY

4, 1908.

Questions.

How has the Lord ever forewarned people of im-

pending events ? Amos 3 : 6, 7. Give illustrations of this

principle.

What sure

guide have we as to the times and the

seasons ? 2 Peter 1: 19.

Before what great tribunal must every life come

in review? Eccl. 12 : 13, 14.

In what way did Paul speak of the time of this

event ? • Acts 17 : 31 ; 24 : 25.

With what event is the judgment associated? 2

Tim. 4 : 1.

Show that a judgment work, an investigation and

decision of cases, must precede the coming of Christ.

Luke 20: 35 (first part) ; Rev: 22: 11, 12: Note 1.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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7. What line of prophecy establishes the time of this

investigative judgment? Dan. 8: 14; 9: 24, 25. Note 2.

•

8. What view was given Daniel of the judgment

scene in heaven? Dan. 7 : 9, 10.

What did the prophet behold of the work of

apostasy on earth while the judgment was sitting in

heaven? Verses 11, 21, 22.

10.

What view was given John of the work of God '

on earth during this time of judgment in heaven? Rev.

14 : 6, 7. Who only is to be feared and exalted?

11.

What other messages are joined with the proc-

lamation of the judgment hour? Verses 8-11.

12.

What are the characteristics of the believers de-

veloped by these messages ? Verse 12.

13.

What movement is fulfilling this prophecy before

our eyes ?

14.

What event of all events follows the carrying of

these messages to the world? Verses 14-16.

15.

How only may we hope to stand in this searching

day of God's judgment ? Phil. 3: 8-11; 1 John 4 : 17.

16.

What assurances are given us in 1 John 2: 1 and

Heb. 7 : 25?

Notes.

Inasmuch as the righteous dead are raised and the right-

eous living translated in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,

at the second coming of Christ, it is evident that the judgment

to determine who is worthy

of life must precede the second

advent.

As shown in last quarter's studies, the day of atonement,

or cleansing of the sanctuary, in the tabernacle service, was the

last of the yearly round of ministration. It was a day of judg-

ment in the camp of Israel, and whatsoever soul did not find

pardon in that day was cut off. Lev. 23:27-29. So the anti-

typical day of atonement, the time of the closing ministry of

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

our High Priest in heaven, is the hour of the investigative judg-

ment. The beginning of this closing work of judgment is at

the close of the prophetic period of Dan. 8:14. This period of

2300 prophetic days, or literal years, was to reach from the

going forth of the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem

to the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary. That commandment

went forth in the year

B. C.

457, and ended in the year 1844.

Then began the solemn work of the investigative judgment.

LESSON II.—The Dragon, the Leopard Beast, and the

Two-Horned Beast.

JANUARY 11, 1908.

Questions.

What power is symbolized by the dragon of Rev-

elation 12 ? Verses 9, 3, 4. Note 1.

What is symbolized by the first beast of Revela-

tion 13 ? Note 2.

What characteristics show that this beast is the

lineal descendant of the four beasts of Daniel 7 ? Com-

pare Rev. 13: 2 with the four beasts of Daniel 7.

How is the change from pagan Rome to papal

Rome indicated in Revelation 12 and 13 ?

Ans.—By

the change in the symbols. How in Daniel 7 ? See

verses 8, 20, 24.

What did the dragon, or pagan Rome, give to

the beast ? Rev. 13 : 2. Note 3.

What was the character of the beast, and what was

it to do? Rev. 13 : 1, 5-7. Compare Dan. 7 : 25.

How many were to worship this apostate and per-

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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secuting power ? Rev. 13 : 8. What period was allotted

for its work of oppression ? Verse 5. Compare Dan.

7 : 25.

Where was it to go then? Rev. 13 : 10. Note 4.

What at this time did John see coming up out

of the earth? Rev. 13:11.

10.

How many horns had it ? what was their char-

acter? and what is represented by this beast? Verse 11.

Note 5.

11.

How was this beast finally to speak ? Verse 11.

Note 6.

12.

How much power is it to exercise? Rev. 13 : 12.

13.

What worship does it require? Same verse.

14.

What wonders does it perform? Verse 13; 16: 13,

14.

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Compare with 1 Kings 18 : 22-24 and 'Matt. 24 :

23, 24.

15.

In the midst of these terrible deceptions, what will

be our only safety? Isa. 8

: 19, 20; 2 Peter 1: 19. Note 7.

Notes.

"The line of prophecy in which these symbols are found,

begins with Revelation 12, with the dragon that sought to destroy

Christ at His birth. The dragon is said to be Satan; he it was

that moved upon Herod to put the Saviour to death. But the

chief agent of Satan in making war upon Christ and His people

during the first centuries of the Christian era, was the Roman

empire, in which paganism was the prevailing religion. Thus

while the dragon, primarily, represents Satan, it is, in a secondary

sense, a symbol of pagan Rome."—"Great

Controversy," page

438.

"In chapter 13 is described another beast, 'like unto a

leopard,' to which the dragon gave 'his power, and his seat, and

great authority.' This symbol, as most Protestants have believed,

represents the papacy, which succeeded to the power and seat

and authority once possessed by the ancient Roman empire.

. . . This prophecy which is nearly identical with the descrip-

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bABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

tion of the little horn of Daniel 7, unquestionably points to the

papacy. "—Id.,

page 439.

The fulfilment of this prophecy is well described by Car-

dinal Gibbons in his work, " The Faith of Our Fathers," pages

164-166. He says: "Constantine gave to the Roman Church

munificent donations of money and real estate, which were aug-

mented by additional grants contributed by subsequent emperors.

Hence the patrimony of the Roman pontiffs soon became very

considerable. . . . An event occurred in the reign of Con-

stantine which paved the way for the partial jurisdiction which

the Roman pontiffs commenced to enjoy over Rome, and which

they continued to exercise till they obtained full sovereignty in

the days of King Pepin of France. In the year 327, the Emperor

Constantine transferred the seat of empire from Rome to Con-

stantinople, the present capital of Turkey."

"The forty and two months are the same as the 'time and

times and the dividing of time,' three years and a half, or 1260

days, of Daniel 7—the • time uri

ng which the papal power was

to oppress God's people. This period began with the establishment

of the papacy, A. D. 538, and terminated in 1798. At that time,

when the papacy was abolished and the pope made captive by

the French 'army, the papal power received its deadly wound, and

the prediction was fulfilled, 'He that lea deth into captivity shall

go into captivity.'

"—Great Controversy," page 439.

"Both the appearance of this beast and the manner of

its rise indicate that the nation which it represents is unlike those

presented under the preceding symbols. . . , The application

of the symbol admits of no question. One nation, and only one,

meets the specifications of this prophecy; it points unmistakably

to the United States of America. . . . The lamblike horns

indicate youth, innocence, and gentleness, fitly representing the

character of the United States when presented to the prophet as

`coming up' in 1798. The Christian exiles who first fled to

America sought an asylum from royal oppression and priestly

intolerance, and they determined to establish a government upon

the broad foundation of civil and religious liberty. The Declaration

of Independence sets forth the great truth that 'all men are

created equal,' and endowed with the inalienable right to `life, lib-

erty, and the pursuit of happiness.' And the constitution guaran-

tees to the people the right of self-government, providing that rep-

resentatives elected by popular vote shall enact and administer the

laws. Freedom of religious faith was also granted, every man be-

ing permitted to worship God according to the dictates of his con-

science. Republicanism and Protestantism became the fundamental

principles of the nation. These principles are the secret of its

SAlltATIT-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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power and prosperity. The oppression and down-trodden through-

out Christendom have turned to this land with interest and hope.

Millions have sought its shores, and the United States has risen

to a place among the most powerful nations of the earth."

—Id., page

441.

"The larnblike horns and the dragon voice of the symbol

point to a striking contradiction between the professions and the

practise of

the nation thus represented. The 'speaking' of the

nation is the action of its legislative and judicial authorities.

By such action it will give the life to those liberal and peace-

ful principles which it has put forth as' the foundation of its

policy. The prediction that it will speak 'as a dragon,' and ex-

ercise 'all the power of the first beast,' plainly foretells a devel-

opment of the spirit of intolerance and persecution that was

manifested by the nations represented by the dragon and the

leopard-like beast."—Id.

page 442.

As America, the land of religious liberty, shall unite with

the papacy in forcing the conscience and compelling men to

honor the false sabbath, the people of every country on the -

globe will be led to follow her example." "Foreign nations will

follow the example of the United States. Though she leads out,

yet

the same crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the

world."—"Testimonies for the Church," No. 7, pages 18, 395.

LESSON 11L—The Image to the Beast.

JANUARY 18, 1908.

Questions.

What did the prophet behold coming up out of

the earth ? Rev. 13:11.

What power does this beast exercise? What does

he cause the earth to do? Verse 12.

What do the people make ? Verse 14.

For what purpose is this image made? Verse 15.

What is the character of that power toward whom

worship is directed? Rev. 13 : 3-7 ; 2 Thess. 2 : 3, 4.

From whom did this power obtain its seat, power, and

authority? Note 1.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON" QUARTERLY

What does the Lord say concerning false worship ?

Ex. 20: 4-6; Dent. 4: 15-19.

When asked to worship" an image, what did the

three Hebrew children say? Dan. 3: 16-18.

Who only should be worshiped? Matt. 4 : 9, 10.

Note 2.

What severe measures are used to enforce the wor-

ship of the image of the beast ? Rev. 13: 15. Note 3.

10.

What message of warning is given against the

worship of the beast and its image? Rev. 14: 9-12.

What is the penalty for disobedience?

11.

Who only will refuse to worship the beast

and its

image? Rev. 13: 8. Note 4.

12.

Where will the victorious ones stand at last? Rev.

14:1-5; 15:2.

13.

How is their blessed condition described? Rev.

7: 13-17. Note 5.

14.

What is this new song which they will sing? Rev.

15:3, 4.

Notes.

The beast obtained its power from the dragon, or Satan,

through pagan Rome. Upon one occasion Satan offered his pos-

session and authority to Christ upon condition that He would bow

down and worship him. The prophet saw the dragon, or Satan,

give his seat, or authority, to the beast. No doubt the beast paid

the price placed upon it by Satan. To worship this eccle-

siastical image is in reality to turn away from Jehovah by dis-

obeying His precepts, and render obedience to that evil power

through whom sin was brought into the world. There could not

be a more complete apostasy than is here set forth.

The test will come to every soul, now as it ever has in

the past, upon the point of obedience. All will be called upon

to decide whether they will obey God and receive from Him the

reward of faithfulness, or obey the decrees of apostasy.and suf-

fer at last the penalty of disobedience.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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"Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought.

.The powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments

of God, will decree that all, 'both small and great, rich and poor,

free and bond,' shall conform to the customs of the church by

the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse compliance

will be visited with civil penalties, and it will finally be declared

that they are deserving of death. On the other hand, the law of

God enjoining the Creator's rest-day demands obedience, and

threatens wrath against all who transgress its precepts.

"With the issue thus clearly brought before him, whoever shall

trample upon God's law to obey a human enactment, receives

the mark of the beast; he accepts the sign of allegiance to the

power which he chooses to obey instead of God. The warning from

Heaven is, 'If any man worship the beast and his image, and

receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall

drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out

without mixture into the cup of. His indignation.'

"—"Great

Controversy," page 604.

" The season of distress and anguish before us will re-

quire a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger—a

faith that will not faint, though Severely tried. The period of

probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob

prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His vic-

tory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who

will lay hold of God's promises, as he did, and be as earnest

and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those

who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray

long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling

with God—how few know what it is! How few have ever had

their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until

every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no

language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling

with unyielding faith to the promises of God!

"—Id., page 621.

"As we were traveling along, we met a company who were

also gazing at the glories of the place. I noticed red as a border

on their garments; their crowns were brilliant; their robes were

pure white. As we greeted them, I asked Jesus who they were.

He said they were martyrs that had been slain for Him. With

them was an innumerable company of little ones; they had a

hem of red on their garments also. Mount Zion was just before

us, and on the mount was a glorious temple, and about it were

seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies. And I

saw the little ones climb, or, if they chose, use their little wings

and fly to the top of the mountains and pluck the never-fading

flowers. There were all kinds of trees around the temple to

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' SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

beautify the place; the box, the pine, the fir, the oil, the myrtle,

the pomegranate, and the fig-tree bowed down with the weight

of its timely figs—these made the place all over glorious. And

as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised His lovely

voice and said, 'Only the 144,000 enter this place,' and we shouted,

Alleluia.'

"—Early

Writings," page 41.

LESSQN TV.—The Mark of the Beast.

JANUARY 25, 1908.

Questions.

1. Against what else besides the beast and the im-

age does the third angel's message warn the world?

Rev. 14 : 9-12.

2. What is the significance of the word "mark"?

Compare Rom. 4: 11; Eze. 20 : 12, 20; Rev. 7: 2-4; Eze.

9 : 4. Note 1.

3. To what extent will the spirit of self-exaltation be

seen in the papacy ? 2 Thess. 2: 3, 4. Compare Isa.

14 : 12-14.

4. To what will this self-exaltation lead? Dan. 7 :

25. Note 2.

5. To what extent will the image of the beast go in

its efforts to enforce the mark of the beast? Rev. 13:

15-17. Note 3.

6. Who only will refuse this badge of disloyalty?

Rev. 13 : 8; 17 : 8. Note 4.

7. How does the Lord regard obedience? 1 Sam.

15 : 22. How disobedieuce? Verse 23.

8. When decrees are urged upon us which involve

disloyalty to God, what should we do? Acts 4: 18-20;

5: 27-29.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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When au ancient king set up an image to be'

worshiped, what did the servants of the Lord do ? Dan.

3: 8-12, 16-18.

10.

When Daniel was forbidden to pray, what did he

do ? Dan. 6 : 10.

11.

When oppressed in Egypt, and unable to keep the

Sabbath, what deliverance came? Ex. 14 : 21, 22; 15:

1-11.

12.

In the final crisis with the beast and his image,

what great deliverance will come to .the faithful? Rev.

14 : 1-5.

13.

What• song of victory will be sung ? Rev. 15 :

3, 4.

Notes.

Jehovah has a sign, or seal. This sign, or seal, is found

in His law, and is the seventh-day Sabbath which He blessed

and gave to man in Eden. The observance of this day marks

those who keep it as servants of God.

That power which sits "in the temple of God, showing him-

self that he is God," also has a seal, or mark, 'the observance

of which will designate those who keep it as servants of an

apostate spiritual kingdom.

The power foreshadowed in this scripture is the beast power

of Revelation 13, known in history as the Roman, or papal, church.

The evil principles which lie at the foundation of this great ec-

clesiastical hierarchy are but an outgrowth of that spirit of self-

exaltation which originated in the heart of Lueifer, and through

sin has been planted in the human heart.

The highest form of worship is obedience. To direct wor-

ship from the true God to itself, th,e papacy has dared to tamper

with the law of God. In the church catechisms the second com-

mandment has been omitted, and the tenth divided to make good

the number ten. Concerning the change of the Sabbath, eminent

writers speak as follows:

"In the interval between the days of the apostles and the

conversion of Constantine, the Christian commonwealth changed

its aspect. The bishop f Rome—a personage unknown to the

writers of the New Testament—meanwhile rose into prominence,

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

and at length took precedence of all other churchmen. Rites

and ceremonies of which neither Paul nor Peter ever heard,

crept silently into use, and then claimed the rank of divine insti-

tutions."—Preface

to Killen's "

Ancient Church."

"We hear less than we used to about the apostolic origin of

the present Sunday observance, and for the reason that while

the Sabbath and Sunday rest are woven into the warp and woof

of Scripture, it is now seen, as it is admitted, that we must go to

later than apostolic times for the establishment of Sunday ob-

servance."—Christian

at Work, 1844.

"The change from the seventh to the first; appears to have

been gradually and silently introduced, by example rather than by

express precept."—Scott,

Comment on Acts 20:7.

"Unquestionably the first law, either ecclesiastical or civil,

by which the sabbatical observance of that day [Sunday] is

known to have been ordained, is the edict of Constantine, A. D.

321."—"Chambers' Encyclopedia."

"The council of Laodicea first settled the observance of the

Lord's day [meaning Sunday], and prohibited the keeping of

the Jewish Sabbath under an anathema."—"Dissertation

on the

Lord's Day," pages 33, 34.

This change is admitted by reliable Catholic writers them-

selves, and is set forth as a

mark

of the church's power. Note

the following:

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•

"In reply to a letter of Oct. 28, 1895, to Cardinal Gibbons

asking if the church claimed the change of the Sabbath as her

mark, the folloWing was received: 'Of course the Catholic Church

claims that the change was her act. . . . And the act is

a mark of her ecclesiastical power and authority in religious

matters.

[Signed] H. F. Thomas, Chancellor for the Cardinal.' "

"Question.—Have

you any other way of proving that the

church has power to institute festivals of precept,"

"Answer.—Had

she not such power, she could not have done

that in which all modern religionists agree with her—she could

not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of

the week, for the observance of Saturday, the seventh day, a

change for which there is no Scriptural authority."—"Doctrinal

Catechism," page 174.

The Sunday institution, therefore, stands forth as a mark

of the beast.

3. "The 'time of trouble such as never was,' is soon to open

upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now

possess, and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often

the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality;

but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid

SABBATT3-SOEtOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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presentation can not reach the magnitude of the ordeal. In that

time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before God.

Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in the land, 'as I live, saith

the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they

shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.' "

—"Great Controversy," page 622.

4. "As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed

faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified

through obedience to the truth, abandon their position, and join

the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and

partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly

the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared

to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing

address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to

deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies

of their former brethren. When Sabbath-keepers are brought

before courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the

most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them,

and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against

them."—Id.,

page 608.

LESSON V.—The Seal of God.

FEBRUARY 1, 1908.

Questions.

What work is described in Rev. 7 : 1-3? What

is restrained in order that this work shall not be hin-

dered?

In the time of what seal is this message given ?

With what events is it closely connected? Rev. 6: 12-17.

Note 1.

How many will be sealed ? Rev. 7 : 4.

Where is the seal of God written? Where will

this sealed company stand at last ? Rev. 14 : 1. Note 2.

What other words may be used synonymously with

seal ? Rom. 4 : 11; Eze. 9 : 4. Note 3.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

6.. What is the meaning of the word seal? Note 4.

Where is God's seal fOund? Isa. 8: 16. Note 5.

What does the Lord call the Sabbath? Eze. 20:

12, 20; Ex. 31: 17. Note 6.

To what does the true God appeal as evidence of

His power and right to rule ? Jer. 10: 10-12.

10..Which day is the Sabbath? Upon what unchange-

able fact is it based? Ex. 20: 8-11; Gen. 2 : 2, 3.

11.

By what instrumentality does God place the seal

upon His children ? Eph. 4: 30 ; 1: 13. Note 7.

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•

12.

What other prophecy is given regarding the work

of Sabbath reformation? Isa. 58 : 12-14; 56: 1, 2.

13.

How are those who thus make up the breach in

the law designated? What do they keep? What do they

have ?' Rev. 12: 17 ; 14: 12.

14.

What solemn admonitions are given to this rem-

nant church? Zeph. 2: 1-3; Rev. 3 : 14-21.

Notes.

The sealing work here brought to view occurs

after

the

signs in the sun, moon, and stars which appear as heralds•of the

coming of Christ, and

before

the rolling together of the heavens

as a scroll. Chronologically, therefore, this work must take place

in the very time in which we live, and constitute a work now

being carried forward in the earth.

The 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 7, have the seal of

the living God. The same company is mentioned in Revelation 14.

Here they are said to have the Father's name written in their

foreheads. Evidently the seal of the living God and the Father's

name in these texts mean the same thing.

The work brought to view in Ezekiel 9 is without doubt

prophetic of the sealing work of Revelation 7. The mark, or seal,

is placed in the forehead. It should be noted that to receive the

seal of God as here set forth, means much more than merely to

assent to a theological truth, and outwardly to obey the same.

Only those are sealed that "sigh and that cry for all the

abominations that be done in the midst thereof." This indicates

a deep personal experience, such as can only be wrought by the

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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power of the Holy Spirit in the human heart. This should lead

us in the study of this subject to deep personal self-examination,

and renewed consecration.

The use of the seal authenticating documents of impor-

tance dates from ancient times'. Webster defines a seal as follows:

"An instrument, or device

;

as an engraved metallic plate or stone,

sometimes set in a ring, used for making an impression upon some

tenacious substance, as wax or. wafer,

when attached to a parch-

ment or paper, either

in attestation of the genuineness of the in-

struments and the deliberation with which it is executed, or to

foster it." See Esther 3:12; 1 Kings 21:8, for Scripture in-

stances of its use.

It is clear from this Gospel prophecy that the law of God

has a seal. A true seal defines who the lawmaking power is, his

right to rule, and the territory over which his dominion extends.

The seal of God's law will, therefore, set forth its Author in the

clearest manner possible.

The Lord calls the Sabbath a sign, or seal. The Sabbath

as the seal of the law is incorporated in the bosom of His law.

The law of God being an expression of the eternal and ever-

lasting righteousness of its Author, and all the commandments

being righteousness, the seal of the law becomes a seal of right-

eousness. In the fourth commandment we have, the name of the

Lawmaker, Jehovah; His title, Creator; and the extent of His

dominion, heaven and earth. This distinguishes the Author of the

Decalogue from all false gods, and sets Him forth as a rightful

lawgiver, and one who is able to save from sin.

The seal of the law is the holy Sabbath, which is the

seventh day, and which God blessed and gave to man in the be-

ginning. The Holy Spirit is the agent by whom the entire law,

including the Sabbath, is written or impressed on our hearts.

2 Cor. 3: 2, 3. Only those who are regenerated and born again

through the Holy Spirit can receive the seal of God in the

forehead.

LESSON 1

1.—The Second Coining of Christ.

FEBRUARY 8, 1908.

Questions.

The Fact.

1. What promise did Jesus Make to His disciples

just before His crucifixion ? John 14 : 1-3.

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When and by whom was this promise renewed to

the disciples ? Acts 1: 9-11.

What statement is made concerning the coming'

of Christ "the second time " ? lieb. 9 : 27, 28.

What should be the attitude of believers toward

this event ? Titus 2 : 13.

The Manner.

By what comparison did Jesus teach that His

coming would be visible to all? Matt. 24: 27

With what attendant circumstances will He come?

Matt. 24 : 30.

Who will accompany Him? Matt. 25: 31.

What will announce His coming? 1 Thess. 4: 16.

The Significance.

What dOes the second coming of Christ mean to

the righteous dead ? 1 Cor. 15 : 22, 23.

10.

What does it mean to the righteous living? 1 Thess.

4 : 16, 17.

11.

What is bestowed upon all believers at the coming

of Christ? 1 Cor. 15: 51-53.

12.

What desire of Jesus is thus realized? John 17:

24; 14 : 3.

Suggestions.

Mention some Old Testament prophecies which will

be fulfilled at the second coming of Christ. What mes-

sage will be proclaimed to all the world as the prepara-

tion for the coming of the Son of Man ? How definitely

may the time of the second advent be known? Ought

believers to be surprised by the coming of Christ? What

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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exhortations are given in view of the second coming of

Christ ?

Notes.

"One of the most solemn and yet most glorious truths revealed

in the Bible is that of Christ's second coming to complete the

great work of fedemption. To God's pilgrim people 'so long left

to sojourn in the 'region and shadow of death,' a precious

joy-inspiring hope is given in the promise of His appearing, who

is the Resurrection and the Life, to 'bring home again His ban-

ished.' The doctrine of the second advent is the very key-note of

the Sacred Scriptures. From the clay when the first pair turned

their sorrowing steps from Eden, the children of faith have waited

the coming of the promised One to break the destroyer's power and

bring them again to the lost Paradise. Holy men of old looked

forward to the advent of the Messiah in glory as the consumma-

tion of their hope. . . .

"The coming of the Lord has been in all ages the hope

of His true followers. The Saviour 's parting promise upon Olivet,

that He would come again, lighted up the future for His dis-

ciples, filling their hearts with joy and hope that sorrow could

not quench, nor trials dim. Amid suffering and persecution,

the appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ'

was the 'blessed hope.' . . . On rocky Patmos the beloved

disciple hears the promise, Surely, I come quickly,' and his long-

ing response voices the prayer of the church in all her

pil-

grimage,

'Even so, come, Lord Jesus.' "—"

Great Controversy,"

pages 299-302.

LESSON VII.—Signs of Our Lord's Return.

FEBRUARY 15, 1908.

Questions.

To whom is salvation promised ? 2 Tim. 4 : 8 ;

Heb. 9 : 28.

What comforting promise did the Saviour make

concerning His return ? John 14 : 1, 2.

What anxious inquiry did His disciples make upon

a certain occasion touching His coming ? Matt. 24 : 3.

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In His reply to their question, what specific signs

were pointed out ? Verse 29; Luke 21: 25, 26.

How definitely does Mark locate the time to look

for these signs? Mark 13: 24, 25. What fulfilment

does history record ? Note 1.

What great event is to occur next? Matt. 24: 30;

Mark 13 : 27 ; Luke 21: 27.

How did the Saviour illustrate His meaning ?

Luke 21: 29-33.

What evidence have the people of God of the ap-

proach of the end? Matt. 24: 14. Note 2.

What specific sign is‘given by the prophet Daniel

concerning the time of the end? Chapter 12: 4. Note 3.

10.

What will be the moral condition of the world in

the last days? 2 Tim. 3 : 1-5; Matt. 24: 37-39.

11.

What sign of the end will be seen in the financial

world? James 5 : 1-3. What exhortation is given Chris-

tians in this time? Verses 7, 8.

12.

What warlike preparation will be seen in the last

days? Joel 3:9-14.

13.

While these signs are increasing in the earth, what

will some of the Lord's professed servants say and do?

Matt. 24:48, 49.

14.

What are God's people exhorted to do in this time?

Rom. 13 : 11-14; Luke 12 : 35-40.

Notes.

"in those days,

after

that tribulation." The papal tribu-

lation here mentioned ended in 1798. The persecution, by means

of the influence of the Reformation, ended about 1773.

`ilinine-

diately

after the tribulation of those days," or May 19, 1780,

the sun was darkened. The sign in the moon occurred the fol-

lowing night; and Nov. 13, 1833, the stars fell from heaven. The

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following historical extracts show the fulfilment of these words

of the Saviour.

The Dark Day.

" DARK DAY,

THE.—May

19, 1780; so called on account of a

remarkable darkness on that day, extending over all New England.

In some places persons could not see to read common print in the

open air for several hours together. Birds sang their evening

song, disappeared, and became silent; fowls went to roost; cattle

sought the barn-yard; and candles were lighted in the houses.

The obscuration began about ten o'clock in the morning, and con-

tinued until the middle of the next night, but with differences

of degree and duration in different places. For several days

previous, the wind had been variable, but chiefly from the south-

west and the northeast. The true causes of this remarkable

phenomenon are not known."—"

Webster 's Unabridged Diction-

ary," edition of 1884, page 1604.

" The cocks crew as at daybreak, and everything bore the ap-

pearance and gloom of night. The alarm produced by this un-

usual aspect of the, heavens was very great."—Portsmouth

Journal,

May 20, 1843.

The Moon.

"The moon shall not give her light." The following state-

ments show how completely this prediction was fulfilled the night

following the day of the. sun's darkening:

" The darkness of the following evening was probably as

gross as has ever been obierved since the Almighty fiat gave

birth to light. I could not help conceiving at the time that if

every luminous body in the universe had been shrouded in im-

penetrable darkness, or struck out of existence, the darkness

could not have been more complete. A sheet of white paper held

within a few inches of the eyes

was equally invisible with the

blackest velvet."—Mr.

Tenney, of Exeter, N. H., quoted by Mr.

Gage to the "Historical Society of Connecticut."

"But especially I mention that wonderful darkness on the

19th of May, 1780. Then, as in our text, the sun was darkened;

such a darkness as probably was never known before since the

crucifixion of our Lord. . . . A great part of the follow-

ing night, also, was singularly dark. The

moon, though in the

full, gave no light."—From a manuscript sermon by Bev. Elam

Potter, delivered May 28, 1780.

"My

father and mother, who were pious, thought the day of

judgment was near. They sat up that night, during the latter

part of which they said the darkness disappeared, and then

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON" QUARTERLY

the sky seemed as usual,

but the moon, which was at its full, had

the appearance of blood."—Milo Bostwick.

The Stars.

"Extensive and magnificent showers of shooting stars have

been known to occur at various places in modern, times; but

the most universal and wonderful which has ever been recorded,

is that of the 13th of November, 1833, the whole firmament, over

all the United States, being then, for hours, in fiery commotion.

No celestial phenomenon has ever occurred in this country, since

its first settlement, which was viewed with such intense admira-

tion by one class in the community, or with such dread and alarm

by another. . . . During the three hours of its continuance,

the day of judgment was believed to be only waiting for sunrise."

—"Oil?' First Century," by B. M. Devens, page 3,29.

A definite message, announcing the coming of the King

and the immediate establishment of the eternal kingdom spoken

of by seers, and looked for by God's people through all ages,

constitutes one of the surest signs of the end of the world. Just

such a message as this is now being carried to all parts of the

world, and the end is near.

In addition to an increase in the knowledge of the proph-

ecies as indicated in the text, we may note the increase in general

knowledge as described in the following extract:

" To appreciate them [the wonders of this age] let us briefly

contrast the conditions to-day with those of a hundred years

ago. This is no easy task, for the comparison not only involves

the experiences of two generations, but it is like the juxtaposition

of a star with the noonday sun, whose superior brilliancy obliter-

ates the lesser light. . . .

"As we make the backward run of one hundred years, we

have passed by many mile-stones of progress. Let us see if we

can count some of them as they disappear behind us. We quickly

lose the telephone, phonograph, and graphophone. We no longer

see the cable-cars or electric railways. The electric lights have

gone out. The telegraph disappears. The sewing-machine,

reaper, and thrasher have passed away, and so also have all india-

rubber goods. We no longer see any photographs, photoengravings,

photolithographs, or snap-shot cameras. The wonderful oetuple web

perfecting printing-press, printing, pasting, cutting, folding, and

counting newspapers at the rate of 96,000 per hour, or 1,600 per

minute, shrinks at the beginning of the century into an insignifi-

cant prototype. We lose all planing and wood-working machinery,

and with it the endless variety of sashes, doors, blinds, and furni-

ture in unlimited variety. There are no gas engines, no passenger-

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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elevators, no asphalt pavement, no steam fire-engine, no triple-ex-

pansion steam engine, no Giffard injector, no celluloid articles, no

barbed-wire fences, no time-locks for safes, no self-binding harvest-

ers, no oil or gas wells, no ice machines or cold storage. We lose

air-engines, stem-winding watches, cash-registers and cash-carriers,

the great suspension bridges and tunnels, the Suez Canal, iron-

frame buildings, monitors and heavy ironclads, revolvers, torpedos,

magazine guns and Gatling guns, linotype machines, all prac-

tical typewriters, all Pasteurizing, knowledge of microbes or dis-

ease germs, and sanitary plumbing, water-gas, soda-water foun-

tains, air-brakes, coal-tar dyes and medicines, nitro-glycerine,

dynamite and guncotton, dynamo-electric machines, aluminum

ware, electric locomotives, Bessemer steel with its wonderful

developments, ocean cables, enameled ironware. Welsbach gas-

burners, electric storage batteries, the cigarette machine, hydraulic

dredges, the roller mills, middlings purifiers and patent-process

flour, tin-can machines, car couplings, compressed-air drills,' sleep-

ing-cars, the .dynamite gun, the McKay shoe machine, the circular

knitting-machine, the Jacquard loom, wood pulp for papers, fire

alarms, the use of anesthetics in surgery, oleomargarine, street-

sweepers, Artesian wells, friction matches, steam hammers, electro-

plating, nail machines

;

false teeth, artificial limbs and eyes, the

spectroscope, the kinetoseope or moving pictures, acetylene gas,

X-ray apparatus, horseless carriages, and—but enough! the reader

exclaims, and, indeed, it is not pleasant to contemplate the loss."

—From introduction to "Progress of Inventions in the Nine-

teenth Century."

LESSON V1.11.—The Nature of Man—Life in Christ.

FEBRUARY 22, 1908.

Questions.

What gift was bestowed upon man in his creation?

Gen. 2 : 7.

Upon what condition was this gift to be retained?

Verses 16 and 17.

After man had failed to comply with this con-

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dition, what was done in order to prevent him from

living forever in sin ? Gen. 3 : 22-24.

What was brought into the world by this act of

disobedience ? Rom. 5 : 12.

What is plainly stated to be the result of sin ?

James 1: 15; Eze. 18 : 20.

What has been abolished by Jesus Christ? 2 Tim.

1: 10. What has been brought to light through the Gos-

pel? Same verse.

For what purpose did Jesus saythat He had come ?

John 10 : 10.

What belongs to the Son in common with the Fa-

ther ? John 5 : 26.

In the gift of His Son to the world, what pro-

vision did God make for all the world ? John 3 : 16.

10.

What do those receive who accept the gift of the

Son? 1 John 5: 11, 12. What is true of those who re-

fuse this gift? Same verses.

11.

How is this gift received? John 1: 12.

12.

What, then, is obtained by believing on Christ ?

John 20:30, 31.

13.

What will be the consequence of rejecting the

Gospel of Christ ? 2 Thess: 1: 6-9.

14.

How complete will be this destruction ? Mal. 4: 1.

15.

In what brief statement is the teaching of the

Scriptures on this subject expressed? Rom. 6 : 23.

Note.

The purpose of this lesson is to present in a simple manner the

plain

statements of the Scriptures concerning the nature of man,

and to make it clear that he is wholly dependent upon the gift of

Christ for life. Sin means death, but Christ is "our life." He

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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who does not believe on Christ will perish. "Unless a reader had

been warned beforehand that every man's soul, being destined by

its nature to last forever, and not to die—(being immortal)—he

must therefore not put upon the terms of Christ's discourses any

meaning which will contradict that doctrine of natural immor-

tality,—he would not have dreamed of imposing such a figurative

sense upon them, or of making

life eternal

stand for happiness,

perishing

stand for endless misery. It is altogether due to for-

eign and unusual considerations if readers have learned to take

such words in an unnatural sense. For life signifies life, and to

live forever signifies to live forever, and to perish signifies not

to live forever, but to lose organized and conscious being. That

is the first and natural meaning of the words."

Views, not warranted by any proper interpretation of the

Scriptures concerning the nature of man and his condition in

death, not only furnish the foundation for Spiritualism in its many

forms, but also constitute the very backbone of heathenism, and

make unnecessary the general judgment, the resurrection, and the

second coining of Christ. When this far-reaching error has been

corrected, by presenting the truth as it is in Jesus, the fundamental

truth of the Gospel of

Christ has been set forth.

LESSON IX.—The Nature of Man.—Immortality

through Christ.

FEBRUARY 29, 1908.

Questions.

What is the prospect before man so far as the

natural birth is concerned? Job 14: 1.

By what illustration is this truth taught? Ps.

103:15, 16.

What is his condition in death ? Ps. 146: 3, 4.

What positive statements are made concerning the

unconscious state of man in death ? Eccl. 9 : 5; Job

14 : 21.

Is there auy intwmat principle in man which sur-

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

vives the dissolution of the body and continues as a

con-

scions entity ? Job. 14: 740.

Of what is a man deprived by death? Isa. 38:

9, 10.

Through whom alone is there hope of living again?

Cor. 15: 21, 22.

Who has obtained power over death? Rev. 1: 12,

13, 17, 18.

For what purpose was the union made between

divinity and humanity ? John 1: 14 compared with

Heb. 2 : 1.4, 15.

10.

What is set before us as an object to be sought?

ROm. 2: 6, 7.

11.

To whom alone does immortality belong? 1 Tim.

1 : 17; John 5 : 26; 1. Tim. 6:13-16.

12.

When will immortality be bestowed? 1 Cor. 15:

51-53.

13.

What will then be swallowed up ? Verses 54, 55.

14.

Through whom is this wonderful victory over

death gained? Verse 57.

15.

Through what agency are life and immortality

brought to light? 2 Tim. 1 : 9, 10.

Notes.

The purpose of this lesson, as compared with the preceding

oue, is to bring forward the teaching of the Scriptures concerning

immortality. There is a distinction to be made between eternal

life and being immortal. He who receives Christ by faith thereby

lays hold upon "that eternal life, which was with the Father,

and

was

manifested unto us," and so Jesus said, "He that be-

lieveth on Me bath everlasting life" (John 6:47); but that which

is thus acquired by faith is retained only by faith, and may bE

lost by a lapse of faith. After immortality has been put on ai

the second coming of Christ, the

eternity

of being is fully assured

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This was the purpose in view in the gift of Christ to take upon

Himself humanity.

"The result of being driven out from the tree of life to Adam

was not merely unhappiness or misery, but death—returning to

dust; hence it is necessary to understand the work of Christ to be

to confer immortality. If mankind already possessed, through

the divine constitution, the attribute of everlasting life,

in the

most essential part of their nature, an ever-during soul, it can

not be admitted that in the proper sense of the terms Christ `gives

eternal life,' to the saved. His title as the Life of men must be

understood as applicable to Him only in a vague, metaphorical

sense, as the giver of grace and happiness. But this would

not

correspond to the breadth and depth of Scripture language respect-

ing redemption. `He Himself is our life.' And the body no less

than the soul is said to be saved by Him. Rom.

8:23."—"Life

in Christ," by Edward White.

It was the evident intention of Jesus "to teach a doctrine that

humbles man in the dust of death, and restricts the everlasting

life to twice-born and believing souls,—a doctrine which rep-

resents the first Adam as 'a man of earth,' and the second Man

as a 'life-giving spirit.' "

LESSON X.---The Resurrection of the Righteous.

MARCH 7, 1908.

Questions.

What question was asked long ago concerning the

dead? Job. 14 : 14.

What answer does the Life-giver make to this ques-

tion? John 11 : 25.

How had this same question been answered cen-

turies before the first advent of our Lord? Isa. 26: 19.

What is death called? John 11: 11-13; Job 14 : 12.

When will the dead be waked out • of sleep ? Job

14 : 12-15.

What promise of a resurrection did the Lord make

His people through Ezekiel ? Eze. 37 : 12.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

•

7. Who will call for the dead to come forth? John

5: 25.

When are the righteous to receive their recom-

pense? Luke 14:14.

How many resurrections will there be? Acts 24:

14, 15; Rev. 20: 5.

10.

In what graphic manner does the apostle describe

the resurrection of God's people ? 1 Cor. 15 : 51, 52.

11.

In that glad day, what shouts of victory will be

heard from immortal voices? Verses 54, 55.

12.

When will the righteous be raised? 1 Thess. 4:

15-17. Who will be caught up with them to meet the

Lord?

13.

What are we bidden to do with these words?

Verse 18.

14.

Who will gather the saints ? Matt. 24: 30, 31.

15.

What power is the believer to know now ? Phil.

3 : 10, 11; Rom. 8:11.

LESSON (1.—The Millennium and Destruction of the

Wicked.

MARCH 14, 1908.

Questions.

The Millennium.

What two events mark the beginning and the end

of the millennium? Compare 1 TheSs. 4:16 with Rev.

20:4, 5.

In connection with the first resurrection what

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY .

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other very important event takes place? 1 Thess. 4: 16.

3. Where will the saints be during the thousand years

following the first resurrection ? In what work will they

have a part? Rev. 20 : 6; 1 Cor. 6 : 1-3.

4. What effect does the coming of Christ have upon

wicked men? 2 Thess. 1: 7-9.

5. What description is given by Jeremiah of the con-

dition of the earth after its desolation? Jer. 4 : 23-26.

6. How is Satan effected by the translation of the

saints and the death of the wicked? Rev. 20 : 1-3.

Note 1.

Destruction of the Wicked.

7. What has God decreed concerning the sinner?

Eze. 18 : 4; Rom. 6 : 23.

8. Unto what are fallen angels and sinners reserved ?

2 Peter 2: 4, 9.

9. What will come upon Satan and all his followers ?

Matt. 25 : 41; Rev. 20 : 15.

10. How is this punishment designated? Rev. 20: 14.

11. To what are the wicked compared? Ps. 37 : 20;

Nahum 1: 10.

12. How complete will be the destruction of sin and

sinners

? Mal. 4: 1. Note 2.

13. After the destruction by fire, how secure will be

the universe against the affliction of sin ? Nahum 1: 9.

14. Where are the wicked to meet their fate? Rev.

20 : 8, 9.

15. What will the fire which destroys Satan, fallen

angels, and sinners do for the earth itself? 2 Peter

3 : 10-12.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

16.

When the first heaven and• the first earth had thus

passed away, what did the beloved disciple behold? Rev.

21 : 1.

17.

What promises are made concerning the character

of the inhabitants who dwell in this new eternal home?

2 Peter 3 : 13 ; Isa. 60 : 21.

Notes.

The word here translated "bottomless pit" signifies an

abyss. It is a place or condition of darkness and desolation. It

means a place of chaos, such as the earth was when darkness

was upon the face of the deep, before God cleated light.

The language of this text is very clear and emphatic.

''All that do wickedly," God says, shall in that day which is to

burn "as an oven" be burned up. Anything can not be said

to be burned up so long as it is still burning. God proposes to

burn up sin, and in destroying that He must burn up those who

cling to sin—those who fail to choose Jesus Christ. It should be

observed that this destruction is so complete that Inspiration

says there is neither "root [Satan] nor branch [sinners] left

of sin. In "Early Writings," page 154 we read: "Satan and

his angels suffered long. Satan bore not only the weight and

punishment of his own sins, but also of. the sins of the redeemed

host, which had been placed upon him; and he must also suffer for

the ruin of souls he had caused. Then I saw that Satan and all

the wicked host were consumed, and the justice of God was sat-

isfied. . . . Said the angel, 'Satan is the root, his children are

the branches. They are now consumed root and branch. They

have died an everlasting death. They are never to have a resur-

rection, and God will have a clean universe.' "

LESSON XII.—The Saints' Iniveritance.

MARCH 21, 1908.

Questions.

1. What was God's purpose in creating our earth?

Isa. 45: 18; Ps. 115: 16.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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What dominion was given to man in the begin-

ning? Gen. 1: 25-28 ; Ps. 8: 4-8.

What became of this dominion? Luke 4: 5, 6.

In what way did Jesus recognize this usurpation?

John 14: 30; 12:31.

To whom is this lost dominion to be restored?

Luke 19: 10; Micah 4: 8.

What was the mission of Jesus to this earth?

Luke 19 : 10.

What will be restored through Christ? Acts

: 19-21. .

What promise was made to Abraham ? Gen. 13:

14-17; 22: 15-18.

How much did this promise include? Rom. 4: 13.

1.0. Did Abraham receive the promised inheritance?

Acts 7: 1-5.

11.

What assurance is given that he will yet receive

the promise? pleb. 11: 8-13, 39, 40.

12.

How do we become Abraham's seed, and heirs to

the promise? Gal. 3: 16, 26, 27, 29.

13.

How will the earth be purified? 2 Peter 3: 10-13.

Note 1.

14.

Describe the new earth. Isa. 35: 1, 2; Rev. 21: 1-4.

15.

How real will be our homes there? Isa. 65 : 21,

22. Note 2.

.16. What will be the character of the people who dwell

there? Matt. 5: 5; Ps. 37: 11; Rev. 2: 7.

Notes.

1. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first

heaven and the first earth were passed away." The fire that con-

sumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ran-

somed the fearful consequences of sin.

"One reminder alone remains: our Redeemer will ever bear

the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, upon His

side, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the. cruel work

that sin has wrought. Says the prophet, beholding Christ in His

glory, 'He had bright beams coming out of His side, and there

was the hiding of His power.' That pierced side whence flowed

the crimson stream that reconciled man to God,—there is the

Saviour's glory, there the hiding of His power. 'Mighty to save,'

through the sacrifice of redemption, He was therefore strong to

execute justice upon them that despised God's mercy. And the

tokens of His humiliation are His highest honor; through the

eternal ages the wounds of Calvary will show forth His praise,

and declare His power."—"Great

Controversy," pages 673, 674.

2. "In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called a

country. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains

of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month,

and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations.

There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal and beside them

waving trees east their shadows upon the paths prepared for

the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-spreading plains swell

into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty

summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams,

God's people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home."

—Id., page 675.

LESSON X1.11.—The City of God.

MARCH 28, 1908.

Questions.

For what did Abraham look? Heb. 11: 8-10.

What view of this city was given to John? Rev.

21 : 1, 2.

What is said concerning the, size of the city?

Verses 15, 16.

What further description is given concerning the

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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wonderful beauty of this city? Verses 10-14, 17-21.

Note 1.

Whose throne will be there? Rev. 21: 3; 22: 3.

What will be the light of this city ? Rev. 21:

23; 22:5.

What tree grows and bears fruit in the midst of

the city? Rev. 22:2.

Where is the tree of life.said to grow? Rev. 2: 7.

Where does Paul locate. Paradise? 2 Cor. 12: 2-4.

10.

Where was Paradise in the beginning? Gen. 2: 8.

Note 2.

11.

What class will be excluded from the city? Rev.

21 : 27; 22:15.

12.

Who only will enter through the gates? Rev.

22: 14.

13.

What will have passed away forever? Rev. 21 :

3, 4; 22:3.

14.

How is the happy condition of the redeemed .de-

scribed? Rev. 92 : 3, 4; 7: 13-17. Note 3.

Notes.

One writer has described this city as follows: "A city

never built with hands, nor hoary with the years of time; a city

whose inhabitants no census has numbered; a city through whose

streets rushes no tide of business, nor black-robed hearse creeps

slowly with its burden to the tomb; a city without griefs or

graves, without sin or sorrows, without births or burials, without

marriages or mournings; a city which glories in having Jesus

for its King, angels for its guards, saints for citizens; whose

walls are salvation, and whose gates are praise."

"As the ransomed ones are welcomed to the city of God,

there rings out upon the air an exultant cry of adoration. The

two Adams are about to meet. The Son of God is standing with

outstretched arms to receive the father of our race—the being

whom He created, who sinned against his Maker, and for whose



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

sin the marks of the crucifixion are borne upon the Saviour's form.

As Adam discerns the prints of the cruel nails, he does not fall

upon the bosom of his Lord, but in humiliation casts himself at

His feet, crying, 'Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain!'

Tenderly the Saviour lifts him up, and bids him look once more

upon the Eden home from which he has so long been exiled. . . .

"Transported with joy, he beholds the trees that were once

his delight—the very trees whose fruit he himself had gathered

in the days of his innocence and joy. He sees the vines that his

own hands have trained, the very flowers that he once loved to

care for. His mind grasps the reality of the scene; he com-

prehends that this is indeed Eden restored, more lovely now than

when he was banished from it. The Saviour leads him to the

tree of life, and plucks the glorious fruit, and bids him eat. He

looks about him, and beholds a multitude of his family redeemed,

standing in the Paradise of God. Then he casts his glittering

crown at the feet of Jesus, and falling upon His breast, embraces

the Redeemer. He touches the golden harp, and the vaults of

heaven echo the triumphant song, 'Worthy, worthy, worthy is

the Lamb that was slain, and lives again!' The family of Adam

take up the strain, and cast their crowns at the Saviour's feet

as they bow before. Him in adoration."

—"Great Controversy,"

pages 647, 648.

3. "Long have we waited for our Saviour's return. But

none the less sure is the promise. Soon we shall be in our prom-

ised home. There Jesus will lead

beside

the -living stream,

flowing from the throne of God, and will explain to us the dark

providences through which on this earth He brought us in order

to perfect our characters. There we shall behold with undimmed

vision the beauties of Eden restored. Casting at the feet of the

Redeemer the crowns that He has placed on our heads, and touch-

ing our golden harps, we shall fill all heaven with praise to Him

that sitteth on the throne."—Mrs.

E. G. White